Whether you’re commuting across campus by shuttle, puzzled by a possible scammer or even sitting down for a hot meal, this Public Safety & U is, as always, just for you, and packed with tips and information to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Also in this edition: Wish Captain Bob Lis a happy retirement, and read about all the ways Drexel Public Safety engages with the community, including the annual “Healthy Hearts for the Families” donation drive and this month’s “Cookies With Cops.”
Protect Your (or a Loved One’s) Heart With AEDs
Heart awareness isn’t just Cupid’s job in February! Recognizing February as American Heart Month, the American Heart Association highlights the importance of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs). AEDs are a great tool in helping someone who is experiencing cardiac arrest. Did you know that Drexel University has AED locations on each campus? Additionally, every Drexel Police and Drexel Public Safety vehicle has one, and Drexel police, public safety officers and EMS are certified in First Aid/CPR and AED use.
Learn how to understand the difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack on the American Heart Association website. It’s important to note that if you’re not sure whether someone is experiencing a cardiac emergency, it’s better to be safe than sorry: Call 911 immediately.
Also, check out the Community Commitments section of this newsletter for information on Public Safety’s annual “Healthy Hearts for the Families” campaign.
How to Prevent Burns at the Kitchen Table
This Burn Awareness Week (Feb. 4–10), remember that burns don’t always happen from open flames on the stove. The American Burn Association provides tips to avoid non-fire cooking burns and more:
- Tableware such as forks and spoons often hold hot food like soups or drinks and may themselves be very hot. Be mindful when handling.
- Have a fancy mug with a metal rim? Chances are you may have burnt your lips while sipping your tea or coffee. Be cautious while drinking your hot beverages.
- Be sure to keep hot foods and liquids away from table and counter edges to keep them from being knocked over.
- Remember: Most burns are preventable if you just take your time and pay attenton!
Be Aware of Scams
In general, no government agency or reputable company will call or email you unexpectedly and request your personal information or advance fees for services in the form of wire transfers or gift cards.
It's important to keep a cool head, think through things and know who to turn to for help.
Review the tips below for guidance on how to keep your information secure.
- The Department of Homeland Security may call you regarding your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record, but they will never ask for money over the phone.
- Verify the identity of anyone who asks for your personal information over the phone. Ask for a caller's name, ID badge and phone number and request that you call them back or respond through the entity's customer service channels.
- Do not cash checks that arrive in the mail unexpectedly.
- Do not sign contracts without reading them and fully understanding the content.
- Avoid providing personal data, such as banking information or your social security number, to unknown persons over the phone or internet.
- Scammers may know basic information about you and use that as “proof” of their legitimacy; however, this information is likely easily searchable online. It's a good idea to check how much of your information is public, such as your phone number and address.
- If anyone pressures you to provide information or money over the phone, simply hang up.
- If someone asks you to buy a gift card for them, it may be a scam.
- If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact Drexel Police at 215.895.2222 while on campus; otherwise, call 911.
Who Picks Up When You Call 215.895.2222?
Your call to 215.895.2222, Drexel Public Safety’s emergency line, is always answered by one of our Communications Center dispatchers. As a reminder, when you’re calling, it’s important to state the location of the emergency, such as the address you’re at, nearby intersection, the building you’re in, or even your surroundings. Our dispatchers are here to help you, and they do that by asking important questions that help them send emergency responders right away.
Learn More About DUPD’s Workload and Campus Crime Statistics
For a deeper dive into the work of the Drexel University Police Department, visit the Drexel Public Safety Dashboard to learn more about DUPD’s workload in three categories: calls for service; criminal statistics; and arrests and criminal complaints.
Share Your Feedback
Drexel Public Safety wants your feedback as part of its accreditation process. You can add comments on both the Drexel Police portal and the Drexel Public Safety Communications Center portal until March 4.
Plan Your Commute Effectively With Drexel Transit Via TripShot
Drexel University provides free shuttle bus service to all students, faculty and professional staff across its three Philadelphia campuses – University City, Center City and Queen Lane. Now, you can also follow our buses with Drexel Transit, powered by TripShot, a user-friendly mobile app that offers trip planning and the ability to commute with information at your fingertips through real-time notifications, alerts and tracking. With this exciting new tool, you’ll know precisely when the next shuttle will arrive, cutting down time you might otherwise have to stand around and wait.
Download the TripShot app now:
- Find TripShot in your app store: iOS | Android
- On the Setup screen, enter “Drexel” as the Service Name and click “Next”
- Select “Log in with Drexel Connect” and sign in with your Drexel user ID and password (the same credentials you use to access the DrexelOne portal)
If you have any questions about TripShot, please email transitinfo@drexel.edu.
How to Avoid Theft From Vehicles
Lt. Barone from DPS’ Investigative Unit offers the community the following tips on how to prevent car break-ins:
- Thieves only need seconds to break into your car; park smart and take all your valuables with you.
- Don’t tempt a car thief by leaving cell phones, sunglasses, computers, passports or other items in your car.
- Turn off the ignition: Never leave your car running unattended even if only for a few seconds.
- Do you need a steering wheel lock for your vehicle? Drexel affiliates and surrounding community residents who own a Hyundai or Kia can come to Drexel University Police Headquarters, 3219 Arch Street, and pick up a steering wheel lock free of charge. A valid driver’s license and proof of Hyundai or Kia vehicle registration will be required to receive the steering wheel lock.
A Fond Farewell to Caption Bob Lis
Captain Bob Lis is hanging up his investigator’s hat after spending nearly 54 years in law enforcement, 19 of which was with the Drexel University Police Department. Throughout his career, he served in several departments within the city, retiring from the city with the rank of Detective and received over 50 commendations. To say that Bob will be missed in the department and by Drexel colleagues is an understatement.
Thank you, Captain, for your service and dedication to law enforcement and the Drexel community; we applaud you!
Community Commitments
Healthy Hearts for the Families
Drexel Public Safety’s annual “Healthy Hearts for the Families” campaign is underway. Help us deliver a little “love” to all the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House while their loved ones are recovering at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia by donating healthy snacks, such as individually wrapped snack bags of popcorn, cookies, trail mix; single-service protein drinks and low-sugar juice boxes; single-service cereal cups; and/or canned tuna until Feb. 19.
Contact Linda Moran at lmm467@drexel.edu for more information.
Participate in the DUPD Liaison Program for Student Orgs
The Drexel University Police Department Liaison program connects Public Safety to the student community, reinforcing that we are here to help and protect them. Providing opportunities for candid conversations, partnerships and relationships, the program also allows officers and students to collaborate on projects and philanthropic events.
If you are a recognized student organization or group and you don’t know who your liaison officer is, please contact Captain John Hall at jeh338@drexel.edu.
Cookies with Cops: Feb. 15
Public Safety will be on Korman Quad Feb. 15 starting at 1 p.m. Hope to see you for some cookies, hot chocolate and friendly conversation!
The SAFE Program Teaches You to Protect Yourself
Public Safety’s self-protection program, Self-Awareness for Everyone, is split into two sessions: SAFE I and SAFE II. Due to the hands-on nature of the class, we strongly recommend you register with a fellow Dragon. Participation in the techniques is recommended, but not required.
Registration is required 72 hours prior to the class. You can register via Eventbrite for these classes. These classes are also available by request for your group.
- SAFE I classes will be offered the second week of every month on Monday and Wednesday from 5–7 p.m. Upcoming classes are on Feb. 14, Mar. 11 and Mar. 13.
- SAFE II classes will be offered the fourth week of every month on Monday and Wednesday from 5–7 p.m. and cannot be taken until you have completed SAFE I. Upcoming classes are on Feb. 26 and Feb. 28.
You can see a class in action in this video feature created by Drexel students.
Additional DPS Educational Programs
Read about the rest of Drexel Public Safety’s educational offerings on the DPS website, and you can request any of the listed presentations and trainings by completing the Request a Presentation Form.
We Are Here for You When You Need Us
Please call 215.895.2222 immediately if you experience or witness a crime. Drexel’s Public Safety Communications Center is staffed 24/7 to serve you, whether or not you choose to remain anonymous when making a report. It is vital that crimes are reported promptly to Drexel Police so that they can be investigated, and so that Public Safety can connect the victim(s) with proper resources. You can also contact DPS through the Drexel Guardian app. Drexel Guardian will not track you nor share your information unless you initiate an emergency. To download the app, search for “Rave Guardian” in the app store or Google Play store.
Emergency Numbers
215.895.2222 or 911
TTY: 215.571.4141
Walking Escorts
215.895.2222